Is your 2011 Subaru Legacy key fob acting up? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. One of the most common culprits for a malfunctioning key fob is a dead battery. The good news is, replacing the 2011 Subaru Legacy Key Fob Battery is a simple task you can easily handle yourself. Feeling locked out of your Subaru can be frustrating, but this guide will walk you through the Subaru key fob battery replacement process, saving you time and potentially a trip to the dealership.
If you prefer professional assistance, scheduling a service appointment is always an option. However, for those who like a bit of DIY, changing your 2011 Subaru Legacy key fob battery is a straightforward fix. Let’s dive into how to get your key fob working like new again.
Identifying Your Subaru Key Fob Type
Subaru has used a few different key fob designs over the years. To ensure you follow the correct battery replacement steps, it’s important to identify which type of key fob your 2011 Subaru Legacy uses. Typically, for a 2011 model, you might encounter one of these styles:
- Bulging Rectangle Shape: This is a common design and usually requires a CR2032 battery.
- Teardrop Shape: An older style, this fob generally uses a CR2025 battery.
- Exposed Metal Key with Buttons: This fob has a visible metal key and utilizes a smaller CR1620 battery hidden within two casings.
If you’re unsure which key fob you have, your Subaru Legacy owner’s manual is your best resource. Once you know your key fob type, you can confidently proceed with the battery replacement steps outlined below.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your 2011 Subaru Legacy Key Fob Battery
Let’s get down to business and replace that dead battery in your 2011 Subaru Legacy key fob. Follow the instructions that match your key fob style.
Replacing the Battery in a Bulging Rectangle Subaru Key Fob (CR2032 Battery)
This type of 2011 Subaru Legacy key fob is recognizable by its rectangular shape with a slight bulge. It uses a common and readily available CR2032 battery.
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Remove the Emergency Key: Locate the small silver tab on the back of your key fob. Press and hold this tab to release and remove the metal emergency key.
Alt text: Close-up of the silver release tab on the back of a Subaru key fob, used to detach the metal emergency key.
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Pry Open the Key Fob: Carefully separate the two halves of the key fob casing. You can use a flathead screwdriver inserted into the seam to gently pry it open. Be cautious not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the plastic.
Alt text: A flathead screwdriver is carefully inserted into the seam of a Subaru key fob to pry open the casing for battery replacement.
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Locate the Battery: Once open, you’ll see the internal components. The flat, round CR2032 battery will be visible, either on top of or beneath the transmitter circuit board, depending on how the fob opened.
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Replace the Battery: Gently release the old battery from its holder. Note the orientation (positive side up). Install the new CR2032 battery, ensuring the correct side is facing upwards. Try to minimize touching the flat surfaces of the new battery with your fingers to prevent transferring oils.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Snap the two halves of the key fob casing back together until they are securely closed. Re-insert the metal emergency key until it clicks into place. Your bulging rectangle 2011 Subaru Legacy key fob should now be powered by a fresh battery.
Replacing the Battery in a Teardrop Shape Subaru Key Fob (CR2025 Battery)
If your 2011 Subaru Legacy uses an older, teardrop-shaped key fob, the battery replacement process is very similar. The main difference is this fob uses a CR2025 battery and does not have a removable emergency key.
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Pry Open the Key Fob: Just like the rectangular fob, carefully pry open the teardrop key fob casing using a flathead screwdriver or a similar tool.
Alt text: Opening a teardrop-shaped Subaru key fob casing using a flat tool to access and replace the battery.
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Locate and Replace the Battery: Open the fob and locate the CR2025 battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR2025, ensuring correct polarity.
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Reassemble the Key Fob: Snap the two halves of the teardrop key fob back together securely. Your teardrop 2011 Subaru Legacy key fob should now be ready to use with its new battery.
Replacing the Battery in an Exposed Metal Key Subaru Key Fob (CR1620 Battery)
For some older 2011 Subaru Legacy models, you might have a key fob with a permanently exposed metal key and buttons on the fob body. This type requires a CR1620 battery and has an additional inner casing.
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Open the Exterior Casing: The process to open the outer casing of this fob is similar to the bulging rectangle and teardrop fobs. Pry it open carefully.
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Open the Interior Casing: Inside the exterior casing, you’ll find a second, smaller casing. This inner casing has small tabs that need to be pressed to open it. Carefully locate and press these tabs to access the battery compartment.
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Replace the Battery: Once the inner casing is open, you can access the CR1620 battery. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR1620 battery, paying attention to the correct orientation.
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Reassemble Both Casings: Close the interior casing first, ensuring it’s securely snapped shut. Then, place the interior casing back into the exterior casing and close the exterior casing completely. Your exposed metal key 2011 Subaru Legacy key fob should now be working with a fresh CR1620 battery.
What If a New Battery Doesn’t Solve the Problem?
In most cases, replacing the key fob battery will resolve issues with your 2011 Subaru Legacy key fob. However, if you’ve replaced the battery and your fob still isn’t working, there might be another issue.
It’s possible that the key fob itself is faulty or needs reprogramming. For security reasons, Subaru key fobs often need to be programmed by a dealership. If you suspect your key fob needs replacement or programming, it’s best to contact a certified Subaru dealer like Subaru North Orlando.
While older Subaru models sometimes allow for DIY key fob programming, newer models, especially those with the bulging rectangular fob, typically require professional programming services.
Need Help with Your 2011 Subaru Legacy Key Fob?
Changing your 2011 Subaru Legacy key fob battery is usually a quick and simple fix. However, if you encounter any problems or prefer professional assistance, the service team at Subaru North Orlando is here to help. We can handle battery replacements, key fob programming, and any other Subaru service needs you may have. Contact us today or schedule your service appointment online. Don’t forget to check our service specials for potential savings on your visit!
